Ifan is a Welsh masculine given name. It is one of several modern Welsh forms of Ieuan, a medieval Welsh form of the Latin name Iohannes, which in turn derives from the Greek Ioannes and ultimately from the Hebrew Yoḥanan. The name therefore shares the meaning of John: "Yahweh is gracious". Origin and Usage Ifan is a Welsh name, pronounced [ˈiːvan]. It is closely related to other Welsh variants such as Evan, Iefan, and Iwan. The diminutive form is Ianto. Like its English counterpart John, Ifan has been used in Wales for centuries, though it never reached the same level of extreme popularity as John did in England. The name is still in use today, often as a traditional choice. Notable Bearers Ifan ab Owen Edwards (1895–1970), Welsh academic, writer, and film-maker, known for founding the Welsh youth movement Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Ifan Evans (born 1983), Welsh rugby union player who played for the Scarlets. Ifan Phillips (born 1996), Welsh rugby union hooker who played for the Ospreys. Ifan Meredith (born 1976), Welsh actor, known for roles in Welsh-language television. William Evans (Wil Ifan, 1883–1968), Welsh poet and Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales; though his name William was not the same, his bardic name 'Wil Ifan' includes Ifan. In addition, the surname Evans, a common Welsh surname, derives from Evan, itself a form of Ifan/Ieuan. Cultural Significance Ifan is emblematic of Welsh onomastic tradition, where many forms of John emerged. The name is typically masculine and remains in continued use in Wales, though it is relatively rare outside Welsh communities. Meaning: Yahweh is gracious Origin: Welsh (derived from Ieuan < Latin Iohannes < Hebrew Yoḥanan) Type: Given name Usage Regions: Wales, sometimes in England and other Anglophone countries